OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

reds1 · 11-18-2018, 11:20 PM

December 1, 1950

Western League: Tight at the Top

--------

Offense: .266/.344/.418 (4th/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 3.26/3.37/2.27 (2nd/2nd/1st)
Defense: .730 (2nd)
Chemistry: Happy

The Fort Richmond Generals appear to have shaken off their heat-breaking loss in the Western League Pennant Series last season where they went up 3 games to none against the Wolseley Unions only to lose the next four, bringing the season to an end. They have started the season off strong, buoyed by outstanding performances from a slew of veterans.

Despite earning nods to the past two All-Star Games, 29-year old C Louis Wearne (.305/.392/.689, 17 HR, 39 RBI, 22 BB, 2.8 WAR) was actually regressing over that time. But not this season. He has blasted out of the gate and earned his second career Batter of the Month honor in October. After earning 9.0 WAR in 1948-49, 28-year old CF Dylan Moyne (.281/.361/.510, 11 HR, 31 RBI, 22 BB, 2.3 WAR) endured an off year last season when he could only muster 3.6. Thus its nice to see the former first overall pick enjoy a bit of bounce-back. And former third-round pick 23-year old 1B Daniel Paterson (.331/.393/.588, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 17 BB, 2.1 WAR) is proving to have been a shrewd selection as he builds upon his rookie season.

The pitching staff and particularly the bullpen is doing its share as well. The starting rotation though is being carried largely by two pitchers: 28-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (7-4, 2.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 169 ERA+) who has taken over the No. 1 spot and No. 2 starter, 31-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (8-3, 2.65 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 143 ERA+). Now if only the rest of the rotation can pick up the slack, then this club would be absolutely jaw-dropping.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 9 – C Louis Wearne (.524, 11 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI)
October 30 – SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.583, 14 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R)

Current Injuries:

RHP Reese McLaughlin – March 14 – torn flexor tendon (elbow). Out for: 7 weeks.

--------

Offense: .278/.361/.415 (1st/1st/2nd)
Pitching: 3.64/3.59/4.03 (3rd/3rd/5th)
Defense: .690 (7th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Wolseley Unions have remained in lockstep with the Generals for top spot in the West, but their offense has not been as uniformly consistent as has Fort Richmond’s, despite their strong play in the first two months. The Unions’ top two players are living up to their billing though: 29-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.326/.466/.544, 9 HR, 30 RBI, 46 BB, 2.7 WAR) and 26-year old C Éric Denis (.365/.433/.518, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 20 BB, 2.6 WAR) are both off the best start of their careers. But there is a steep drop after them. Ironically, 28-year old 3B Burt Willey (.329/.428/.457, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 29 BB, 1.6 WAR – 51/51) is also enjoying the best start of his career, but finds himself playing back-up to 21-year old 3B Carlos Ortíz (.433/.446/.717, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 3 BB, 0.9 WAR – 52/52), who was called up on November 1. Ortíz was a free agent signing out of Venezuela back in April and won Rookie of the Month honors in November.

The pitching has remained competitive, with 27-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (7-5, 3.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 127 ERA+) regaining the No. 1 spot in the rotation from newly acquired 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (3-5, 3.69 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 106 ERA+). Interestingly, last year’s Western League Satchel Paige Award winner, 32-year old RHP Bill Blair (4-5, 4.10 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 95 ERA+) has been struggling and is pitching out of the No. 5 spot of late.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 6 – C Éric Denis (.706, 12 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries:

RF Dustin Rogers – November 17 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 5 weeks.

--------

Offense: .257/.339/.382 (5th/4th/5th)
Pitching: 4.91/4.64/6.50 (8th/8th/8th)
Defense: .692 (6th)
Chemistry: Content

Thanks to a strong October, the Hespeler Stars are right in the thick of things in the West, but it appears to be more of an illusion than reality. Their Pyt. Rec is only 21-33, a difference of +7. Quite frankly, their pitching staff is in disarray, with their young pitchers like 24-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (4-6, 5.42 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 72 ERA+ - 45/72) and 25-year old Paul Woodruff (6-3, 4.46 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 88 ERA+ - 45/45) still wildly inconsistent. 30-year old RHP Ian Peter (6-3, 3.98 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 98 ERA+) is the best of the lot at the moment. Peter, the No. 3 starter, was signed as a free agent in the off-season.

The offense is essentially being carried by one player: 27-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.309/.380/.488, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 25 BB, 2.0 WAR). Qian, a former second overall pick from 1945-46, was acquired last season in a trade with the Wellington Athletics and is off to the best start of his six-year career. But joining him on the big-league roster back in mid-October was their top prospect, 23-year old CF John McMurray (.236/.281/.361, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 8 BB, 4 SB, 0.3 WAR). The first overall pick from last season got more comfortable hitting in the No. 4 spot against RHP (.278/.320/.423) in November.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 23 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.417, 10 H, 4 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

--------

Offense: .249/.326/.345 (7th/6th/7th)
Pitching: 3.09/3.09/3.07 (1st/1st/2nd)
Defense: .717 (3rd)
Chemistry: Content

The Balmoral Giants are another team that appears to be overachieving in the early going, as their offense is one of the weakest in the West. However, their pitching staff has been one of the strongest.

The offense is decidedly unremarkable and boasting the weakest farm system in the ULB will not help things in the foreseeable future. 32-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.257/.311/.399, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, -0.1 WAR) is enduring by far the worst start of his career. Only 27-year old CF Yo Yoshida (.311/.349/.417, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 10 BB, 4 SB, 1.4 WAR) is enjoying a start far surpassing his previous efforts.

But the pitching has been surprisingly strong out of the gate. Third-year starter, 30-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (6-4, 2.59 ERA, 1.3 WHIP. 149 ERA+) has been as good as anyone in the United Leagues, yet the Giants have placed him on the trading block (for the second time, no less). No. 3 starter, 25-year old RHP Rodrigo González (8-3, 2.37 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 163 ERA+), enjoyed a sensational October, winning Pitcher of the Month honors.

The bullpen has been ‘bolstered’ by two recent waiver claims: 40-year old LHP David Cooling (0-0, 5.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 76 ERA+) from Braeland City and 32-year old RHP Tom Mayor (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP), who was picked up from Cobourg.

Current Injuries:

SS Francisco Rodríguez – September 24 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 2 months; suffered setback November 1.

--------

Offense: .273/.342/.400 (2nd/3rd/3rd)
Pitching: 3.78/3.84/3.52 (4th/4th/3rd)
Defense: .708 (4th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Cambria Cannons are neck in neck with the Giants, but their chances for continued progress is a little more optimistic than Balmoral’s. They have one of the stronger farm systems in the ULB and boast the No. 1 prospect in 21-year old OF Sam Tite (20/80). He is currently in AA for the second season in a row, but deserves to be in AAA based on his performance last season (6.2 WAR).

It appears that 27-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (5-4, 2.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 160 ERA+) has firmly entrenched himself as Cambria’s ace, after being their No. 3 starter last year and at the start of this season. Wigley was originally a 6th round pick back 1942-43 by the Fort Richmond Generals before being acquired almost a year ago in a trade. The Cannons have also recently promoted their top pitching prospect, 20-year old LHP Bill Southon (1-0, 2.02 ERA, 1.50 WHIP – 22/52) to take over the No. 5 spot. Sothern was originally selected 15th overall in 1947-48 by the Wolseley Unions and served as a trade chip a couple of times before landing in Cambria.

The offense is ably led by 30-year old SS César Ruíz (.332/.403/.597, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 26 BB, 2.8 WAR), while 24-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.374/.374/.538, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 16 BB, 1.9 WAR) continues to blossom in his second season as the No. 3 hitter in the lineup.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 27 – SS César Ruíz (.417, 10 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R)

Current Injuries:

RHP Reece Leavers – November 29 – partially torn labrum. Out for: 4 months.

--------

Offense: .267/.325/.394 (3rd/7th/4th)
Pitching: 4.37/4.37/4.36 (7th/7th/6th)
Defense: .732 (1st)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Pulberry Trolleys started off the season well, taking 3 of 4 from Fort Richmond and 2 of 3 from Balmoral to finish the first week of the season tied for first place with the Wolseley Unions. But then they quickly reverted to form, going 18-29 the rest of the way. As usual for this franchise in recent seasons, their top producing player has been relegated to back-up.

29-year old SS Roland Binns (.356/.404/.576, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 10 BB, 2 SB, 2.0 WAR – 64/64) and 25-year old SS Francis Jones (.367/.446/.582, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 12 BB, 1.3 WAR – 68/68) are the top two players on the team, with Jones ranked slightly higher. But Binns has been outplaying him in the early going. Neither player is the problem, other than that they are rated only for the SS position. Binns to me would be a tantalizing piece for a contending team, but Pulberry has not placed either player on the trading block.

The Trolleys outfield is shaping up to be a mighty fine one with two promising rookies on the roster and a stud waiting in the wings down in AAA. Second-year starter 25-year LF Ellis Dibble (.291/.365/.417, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 22 BB, 1.1 WAR – 55/65) has been joined by 23-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.259/.298/.389, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 10 BB, 1.6 WAR – 57/80) and 24-year old RF Gerard Koerner (.320/.378/.477, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 12 BB, 1.1 WAR – 47/66), a 4th-round pick back in 1947-48. If they can get acclimated to the majors, then the Trolleys outfield will be an enviable one. But their top prospect will soon be knocking on the door. 22-year old OF John Oldknow (23/80) was a 2nd-overall pick back in 1946-47 and is thriving in AAA. He is rated 13th overall among all prospects. If he presses the issue, then Pulberry will have another potential logjam. Fortunately, Gerard Koerner is very versatile and can play 1B, 2B and 3B in addition to anywhere in the outfield. The Trolleys are currently weak at 1B and 2B so there should be room for all concerned.

But the Trolleys really need to add quality pitching if they want to contend. 32-year old RHP Lenny Tennison (3-3, 3.55 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 107 ERA+) is the lowest-ranked ace in the United Leagues, but he is as good as it gets right now. They plucked 29-year old LHP Mo Goldstraw (4-6, 4.06 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 94 ERA+) off waivers back in early October from the Generals, but he is a stopgap at best. Their best pitching prospect is 21-year old LHP Dermott Rathbone (20/51), a 2nd-round pick from 1949-50, but he is still in AA and a long way off.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 13 – SS Roland Binns (.536, 15 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R)

Current Injuries: None.

--------

Offense: .251/.334/.375 (6th/5th/6th)
Pitching: 4.05/4.07/3.91 (5th/5th/4th)
Defense: .706 (5th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Kingston Pelicans are also in the throes of a player controversy, as 32-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.294/.395/.385, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 19 BB, 0.9 WAR – 66/66), the main cog of a once mighty franchise has been relegated to back-up. Taking his place is 24-year old C Carlos Camasura (.316/.366/.451, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 11 BB, 1.1 WAR – 62/76). The 2nd-round pick from 1944-45 was Trowbridge’s backup the past three seasons but it appears the Pelicans are prepared to make him their regular starter. It will be interesting to see what Kingston does with this situation – if they do anything at all.

The offense overall has been lacklustre compared to last season, when they led the Western League. 35-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.310/.441/.466, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 27 BB, 2 SB, 1.8 WAR) is as good as it gets right now.

The pitching staff however, is being bolstered by two strong performances thus far. But both 30-year old LHP Patrick Denman (8-4, 3.38 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 116 ERA+) and 26-year old LHP Dana Listman (4-7, 3.03 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 129 ERA+) could benefit from a more robust offense (not to mention the rest of the pitching staff pulling its weight).

Player of the Week Awards:

October 16 – RF Mo Spenceley (.448, 13 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R)
October 20 – C Carlos Camasura (.500, 6 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R)

Current Injuries: None.

--------

Offense: .235/.308/.333 (8th/8th/8th)
Pitching: 4.31/4.18/4.99 (6th/6th/7th)
Defense: .683 (8th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

For those wanting to watch a good train wreck or horror show, the Sherburn Tigers should fit the bill. The Tigers have done a good job at avoiding the acquisition of talent, and it shows on who’s left on their roster.

26-year old C Quim Cypriano (.263/.367/.382, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 25 BB, 1.1 WAR) leads a very weak lineup, and 24-year old 2B Jack Burt (.304/.336/.411, 12-2B, 23 RBI, 10 BB, 0.6 WAR) is in need for some strong bats to follow him in the lineup. 24-year old LF Noah Teale (.220/.296/.335, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 21 BB, -0.1 WAR) has regressed severely from last season and there’s absolutely no prospects down on the farm to help out. With the second weakest farm system in the ULB, its going to be a long-season (if not seasons) in Sherburn.

Two pitchers have performed admirably so far. 26-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (6-5, 3.27 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 120 ERA+) remains one of the top pitchers in the United Leagues (No. 3 overall), while 23-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (5-5, 3.27 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is that rare player on the roster who has prospered since joining the Tigers.

Current Injuries:

RHP Lenny Freke – October 16 – herniated disc (back). Out for: 1 day.

--------

11-18-2018, 11:20 PM	#484
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	December 1, 1950 Western League: Tight at the Top -------- Offense: .266/.344/.418 (4th/2nd/1st) Pitching: 3.26/3.37/2.27 (2nd/2nd/1st) Defense: .730 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy The Fort Richmond Generals appear to have shaken off their heat-breaking loss in the Western League Pennant Series last season where they went up 3 games to none against the Wolseley Unions only to lose the next four, bringing the season to an end. They have started the season off strong, buoyed by outstanding performances from a slew of veterans. Despite earning nods to the past two All-Star Games, 29-year old C Louis Wearne (.305/.392/.689, 17 HR, 39 RBI, 22 BB, 2.8 WAR) was actually regressing over that time. But not this season. He has blasted out of the gate and earned his second career Batter of the Month honor in October. After earning 9.0 WAR in 1948-49, 28-year old CF Dylan Moyne (.281/.361/.510, 11 HR, 31 RBI, 22 BB, 2.3 WAR) endured an off year last season when he could only muster 3.6. Thus its nice to see the former first overall pick enjoy a bit of bounce-back. And former third-round pick 23-year old 1B Daniel Paterson (.331/.393/.588, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 17 BB, 2.1 WAR) is proving to have been a shrewd selection as he builds upon his rookie season. The pitching staff and particularly the bullpen is doing its share as well. The starting rotation though is being carried largely by two pitchers: 28-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (7-4, 2.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 169 ERA+) who has taken over the No. 1 spot and No. 2 starter, 31-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (8-3, 2.65 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 143 ERA+). Now if only the rest of the rotation can pick up the slack, then this club would be absolutely jaw-dropping. Player of the Week Awards: October 9 – C Louis Wearne (.524, 11 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) October 30 – SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.583, 14 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R) Current Injuries: RHP Reese McLaughlin – March 14 – torn flexor tendon (elbow). Out for: 7 weeks. -------- Offense: .278/.361/.415 (1st/1st/2nd) Pitching: 3.64/3.59/4.03 (3rd/3rd/5th) Defense: .690 (7th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Wolseley Unions have remained in lockstep with the Generals for top spot in the West, but their offense has not been as uniformly consistent as has Fort Richmond’s, despite their strong play in the first two months. The Unions’ top two players are living up to their billing though: 29-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.326/.466/.544, 9 HR, 30 RBI, 46 BB, 2.7 WAR) and 26-year old C Éric Denis (.365/.433/.518, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 20 BB, 2.6 WAR) are both off the best start of their careers. But there is a steep drop after them. Ironically, 28-year old 3B Burt Willey (.329/.428/.457, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 29 BB, 1.6 WAR – 51/51) is also enjoying the best start of his career, but finds himself playing back-up to 21-year old 3B Carlos Ortíz (.433/.446/.717, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 3 BB, 0.9 WAR – 52/52), who was called up on November 1. Ortíz was a free agent signing out of Venezuela back in April and won Rookie of the Month honors in November. The pitching has remained competitive, with 27-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (7-5, 3.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 127 ERA+) regaining the No. 1 spot in the rotation from newly acquired 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (3-5, 3.69 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 106 ERA+). Interestingly, last year’s Western League Satchel Paige Award winner, 32-year old RHP Bill Blair (4-5, 4.10 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 95 ERA+) has been struggling and is pitching out of the No. 5 spot of late. Player of the Week Awards: November 6 – C Éric Denis (.706, 12 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: RF Dustin Rogers – November 17 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 5 weeks. -------- Offense: .257/.339/.382 (5th/4th/5th) Pitching: 4.91/4.64/6.50 (8th/8th/8th) Defense: .692 (6th) Chemistry: Content Thanks to a strong October, the Hespeler Stars are right in the thick of things in the West, but it appears to be more of an illusion than reality. Their Pyt. Rec is only 21-33, a difference of +7. Quite frankly, their pitching staff is in disarray, with their young pitchers like 24-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (4-6, 5.42 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 72 ERA+ - 45/72) and 25-year old Paul Woodruff (6-3, 4.46 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 88 ERA+ - 45/45) still wildly inconsistent. 30-year old RHP Ian Peter (6-3, 3.98 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 98 ERA+) is the best of the lot at the moment. Peter, the No. 3 starter, was signed as a free agent in the off-season. The offense is essentially being carried by one player: 27-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.309/.380/.488, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 25 BB, 2.0 WAR). Qian, a former second overall pick from 1945-46, was acquired last season in a trade with the Wellington Athletics and is off to the best start of his six-year career. But joining him on the big-league roster back in mid-October was their top prospect, 23-year old CF John McMurray (.236/.281/.361, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 8 BB, 4 SB, 0.3 WAR). The first overall pick from last season got more comfortable hitting in the No. 4 spot against RHP (.278/.320/.423) in November. Player of the Week Awards: October 23 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.417, 10 H, 4 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .249/.326/.345 (7th/6th/7th) Pitching: 3.09/3.09/3.07 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .717 (3rd) Chemistry: Content The Balmoral Giants are another team that appears to be overachieving in the early going, as their offense is one of the weakest in the West. However, their pitching staff has been one of the strongest. The offense is decidedly unremarkable and boasting the weakest farm system in the ULB will not help things in the foreseeable future. 32-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.257/.311/.399, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, -0.1 WAR) is enduring by far the worst start of his career. Only 27-year old CF Yo Yoshida (.311/.349/.417, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 10 BB, 4 SB, 1.4 WAR) is enjoying a start far surpassing his previous efforts. But the pitching has been surprisingly strong out of the gate. Third-year starter, 30-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (6-4, 2.59 ERA, 1.3 WHIP. 149 ERA+) has been as good as anyone in the United Leagues, yet the Giants have placed him on the trading block (for the second time, no less). No. 3 starter, 25-year old RHP Rodrigo González (8-3, 2.37 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 163 ERA+), enjoyed a sensational October, winning Pitcher of the Month honors. The bullpen has been ‘bolstered’ by two recent waiver claims: 40-year old LHP David Cooling (0-0, 5.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 76 ERA+) from Braeland City and 32-year old RHP Tom Mayor (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP), who was picked up from Cobourg. Current Injuries: SS Francisco Rodríguez – September 24 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 2 months; suffered setback November 1. -------- Offense: .273/.342/.400 (2nd/3rd/3rd) Pitching: 3.78/3.84/3.52 (4th/4th/3rd) Defense: .708 (4th) Chemistry: Happy The Cambria Cannons are neck in neck with the Giants, but their chances for continued progress is a little more optimistic than Balmoral’s. They have one of the stronger farm systems in the ULB and boast the No. 1 prospect in 21-year old OF Sam Tite (20/80). He is currently in AA for the second season in a row, but deserves to be in AAA based on his performance last season (6.2 WAR). It appears that 27-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (5-4, 2.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 160 ERA+) has firmly entrenched himself as Cambria’s ace, after being their No. 3 starter last year and at the start of this season. Wigley was originally a 6th round pick back 1942-43 by the Fort Richmond Generals before being acquired almost a year ago in a trade. The Cannons have also recently promoted their top pitching prospect, 20-year old LHP Bill Southon (1-0, 2.02 ERA, 1.50 WHIP – 22/52) to take over the No. 5 spot. Sothern was originally selected 15th overall in 1947-48 by the Wolseley Unions and served as a trade chip a couple of times before landing in Cambria. The offense is ably led by 30-year old SS César Ruíz (.332/.403/.597, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 26 BB, 2.8 WAR), while 24-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.374/.374/.538, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 16 BB, 1.9 WAR) continues to blossom in his second season as the No. 3 hitter in the lineup. Player of the Week Awards: November 27 – SS César Ruíz (.417, 10 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R) Current Injuries: RHP Reece Leavers – November 29 – partially torn labrum. Out for: 4 months. -------- Offense: .267/.325/.394 (3rd/7th/4th) Pitching: 4.37/4.37/4.36 (7th/7th/6th) Defense: .732 (1st) Chemistry: Unhappy The Pulberry Trolleys started off the season well, taking 3 of 4 from Fort Richmond and 2 of 3 from Balmoral to finish the first week of the season tied for first place with the Wolseley Unions. But then they quickly reverted to form, going 18-29 the rest of the way. As usual for this franchise in recent seasons, their top producing player has been relegated to back-up. 29-year old SS Roland Binns (.356/.404/.576, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 10 BB, 2 SB, 2.0 WAR – 64/64) and 25-year old SS Francis Jones (.367/.446/.582, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 12 BB, 1.3 WAR – 68/68) are the top two players on the team, with Jones ranked slightly higher. But Binns has been outplaying him in the early going. Neither player is the problem, other than that they are rated only for the SS position. Binns to me would be a tantalizing piece for a contending team, but Pulberry has not placed either player on the trading block. The Trolleys outfield is shaping up to be a mighty fine one with two promising rookies on the roster and a stud waiting in the wings down in AAA. Second-year starter 25-year LF Ellis Dibble (.291/.365/.417, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 22 BB, 1.1 WAR – 55/65) has been joined by 23-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.259/.298/.389, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 10 BB, 1.6 WAR – 57/80) and 24-year old RF Gerard Koerner (.320/.378/.477, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 12 BB, 1.1 WAR – 47/66), a 4th-round pick back in 1947-48. If they can get acclimated to the majors, then the Trolleys outfield will be an enviable one. But their top prospect will soon be knocking on the door. 22-year old OF John Oldknow (23/80) was a 2nd-overall pick back in 1946-47 and is thriving in AAA. He is rated 13th overall among all prospects. If he presses the issue, then Pulberry will have another potential logjam. Fortunately, Gerard Koerner is very versatile and can play 1B, 2B and 3B in addition to anywhere in the outfield. The Trolleys are currently weak at 1B and 2B so there should be room for all concerned. But the Trolleys really need to add quality pitching if they want to contend. 32-year old RHP Lenny Tennison (3-3, 3.55 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 107 ERA+) is the lowest-ranked ace in the United Leagues, but he is as good as it gets right now. They plucked 29-year old LHP Mo Goldstraw (4-6, 4.06 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 94 ERA+) off waivers back in early October from the Generals, but he is a stopgap at best. Their best pitching prospect is 21-year old LHP Dermott Rathbone (20/51), a 2nd-round pick from 1949-50, but he is still in AA and a long way off. Player of the Week Awards: November 13 – SS Roland Binns (.536, 15 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .251/.334/.375 (6th/5th/6th) Pitching: 4.05/4.07/3.91 (5th/5th/4th) Defense: .706 (5th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Kingston Pelicans are also in the throes of a player controversy, as 32-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.294/.395/.385, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 19 BB, 0.9 WAR – 66/66), the main cog of a once mighty franchise has been relegated to back-up. Taking his place is 24-year old C Carlos Camasura (.316/.366/.451, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 11 BB, 1.1 WAR – 62/76). The 2nd-round pick from 1944-45 was Trowbridge’s backup the past three seasons but it appears the Pelicans are prepared to make him their regular starter. It will be interesting to see what Kingston does with this situation – if they do anything at all. The offense overall has been lacklustre compared to last season, when they led the Western League. 35-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.310/.441/.466, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 27 BB, 2 SB, 1.8 WAR) is as good as it gets right now. The pitching staff however, is being bolstered by two strong performances thus far. But both 30-year old LHP Patrick Denman (8-4, 3.38 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 116 ERA+) and 26-year old LHP Dana Listman (4-7, 3.03 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 129 ERA+) could benefit from a more robust offense (not to mention the rest of the pitching staff pulling its weight). Player of the Week Awards: October 16 – RF Mo Spenceley (.448, 13 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R) October 20 – C Carlos Camasura (.500, 6 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .235/.308/.333 (8th/8th/8th) Pitching: 4.31/4.18/4.99 (6th/6th/7th) Defense: .683 (8th) Chemistry: Unhappy For those wanting to watch a good train wreck or horror show, the Sherburn Tigers should fit the bill. The Tigers have done a good job at avoiding the acquisition of talent, and it shows on who’s left on their roster. 26-year old C Quim Cypriano (.263/.367/.382, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 25 BB, 1.1 WAR) leads a very weak lineup, and 24-year old 2B Jack Burt (.304/.336/.411, 12-2B, 23 RBI, 10 BB, 0.6 WAR) is in need for some strong bats to follow him in the lineup. 24-year old LF Noah Teale (.220/.296/.335, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 21 BB, -0.1 WAR) has regressed severely from last season and there’s absolutely no prospects down on the farm to help out. With the second weakest farm system in the ULB, its going to be a long-season (if not seasons) in Sherburn. Two pitchers have performed admirably so far. 26-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (6-5, 3.27 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 120 ERA+) remains one of the top pitchers in the United Leagues (No. 3 overall), while 23-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (5-5, 3.27 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is that rare player on the roster who has prospered since joining the Tigers. Current Injuries: RHP Lenny Freke – October 16 – herniated disc (back). Out for: 1 day. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland